Mike Tyson Sued for $115 Million for Allegedly Stealing Moniker

The nickname 'Iron Mike' is claimed by to be coined by former professional fighter Mike Landrum in 1983, two years before Tyson began his professional career.

Photo credit: L. Gallo/WENN

Mike Tyson is facing legal action from a retired boxer who alleges the former champ stole his "Iron Mike" nickname 25 years ago. Former professional fighter Mike Landrum has filed a $115 million lawsuit in federal court in Los Angeles, claiming he coined the nickname in 1983 - two years before Tyson began his professional career in 1985.

Landrum maintains he owns the trademark to the moniker and insists he was "hindered from getting any major title fights or sponsorships because of the name confusion". A representative for "The Hangover" star has brushed off the suit, telling TMZ.com, "Mike's legal team hasn't seen the paperwork yet, but they are confident the case holds no merit."

Mike Tyson has been left "totally broke" after years of excessive spending and lives pay cheque to pay cheque to cover his monthly expenses. The sporting icon's legacy has been marred by a series of alcohol and drug-related arrests throughout the years and his wild lifestyle away from the ring led to him filing for bankruptcy in 2003.

He was inspired to turn his life around after landing a role playing himself in the hit 2009 comedy "The Hangover", but he insists he is still struggling to make ends meet, despite recently scoring his own reality TV show about his love of bird racing.